Cattle Rustling: Suspects Arrested After Deadly Attack on Fulani Herdsmen and Killing of Cattle in Benue

Cattle Rustling: Suspects Arrested After Deadly Attack on Fulani Herdsmen and Killing of Cattle in Benue

Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation Whirl Stroke have arrested suspects linked to cattle rustling and rescued an injured herder following two security incidents in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, as the military warned criminal elements fuelling the cycle of violence in the region.

According to a statement issued on 15 February 2026 by Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer at JTF Headquarters, troops were alerted to an attack on two herders at Amua Village, an area spanning the Daudu–Umenger/Ukpiam axis of Guma LGA. Soldiers deployed from Umenger rushed to the scene and confirmed that one herder was killed while the second sustained gunshot wounds. The injured victim was evacuated to Keana in neighbouring Nasarawa State for urgent treatment, while the deceased was released to community representatives for burial in line with local customs.

In a related development the same day, troops at Ukpiam acted on intelligence from local youths regarding suspected cattle rustling activities. Their swift response led to the arrest of a 23-year-old suspect, Terngu Aondohemba, who allegedly confessed to killing two cattle belonging to Fulani herders and named two accomplices, identified as Akpehe and Ashinge, who remain at large.

Further follow-up operations took troops to Korje Village in Daudu, where Mercy Onban — wife of the alleged buyer of the stolen meat — was arrested and the meat recovered as exhibits. Both suspects are in custody as investigations continue.

The Force Commander, Major General Moses Gara, condemned the violence and criminality, stressing that Operation Whirl Stroke remains committed to ending the killing of innocent persons and cattle rustling across the joint operations area. He warned perpetrators that they would be relentlessly pursued and brought to justice.

Gara also urged community leaders to deepen collaboration with security agencies, noting that timely intelligence sharing is critical to restoring lasting peace. He reassured law-abiding residents of the task force’s resolve to safeguard lives and property throughout the region.

Abuja Network News will continue to monitor developments and provide updates on the security situation in Benue and surrounding states.